Exploring Aquablation Therapy in Fort Worth: A New Approach to BPH Treatment

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition affecting millions of men as they age. While BPH is noncancerous, it can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms that significantly impact daily life. For individuals seeking relief, several treatment options are available, including a newer technique known as Aquablation therapy.

At Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth, Aquablation Therapy offers a minimally invasive solution designed to address BPH symptoms with precision and customization. Patients considering their options for urology care in Fort Worth can benefit from learning more about this approach and how it may fit into their personal care journey.

Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH occurs when the prostate gland grows larger than usual, which can press against the urethra and restrict urine flow. As the prostate enlarges, patients may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine stream, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

The severity of BPH symptoms varies widely. Some individuals manage mild symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications. In contrast, others may require surgical intervention when symptoms interfere with quality of life or cause complications such as urinary retention or recurrent infections.

What Is Aquablation Therapy?

Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for BPH that uses a combination of real-time imaging and a heat-free water jet to remove excess prostate tissue. This therapy is performed with the AquaBeam Robotic System, which combines ultrasound imaging and robotic precision to create a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s unique anatomy.

One key feature of Aquablation therapy is using a high-velocity saline stream to gently remove the targeted tissue without applying heat. This method may help preserve surrounding structures involved in sexual function and continence, areas that are sometimes affected by traditional BPH surgeries.

How Aquablation Therapy Works

The Aquablation procedure begins with real-time imaging, allowing the surgeon to visualize the entire prostate and surrounding structures in three dimensions. Using this information, the surgeon develops a customized map, identifying which tissue should be removed while preserving critical anatomy.

Once the map is finalized, the heat-free water jet is precisely directed at the targeted prostate tissue. Robotic assistance helps maintain accuracy throughout the procedure, and the treatment typically takes less than an hour to perform.

Aquablation therapy is conducted under anesthesia, and patients usually stay overnight for observation before returning home the next day. Recovery protocols vary, but most individuals can resume light activities within a few days.

Potential Benefits of Aquablation Therapy

Aquablation therapy offers several potential advantages for individuals seeking relief from BPH symptoms. Because the procedure is designed to be heat-free, there may be a lower risk of certain complications traditionally associated with thermal energy-based treatments. Some patients report improvements in urinary function while maintaining sexual and urinary continence.

Additionally, because the procedure is highly customizable, Aquablation therapy can be appropriate for men with larger prostates or more complex anatomy, expanding treatment options for individuals who may not have been good candidates for other minimally invasive techniques.

It is important to note that individual results vary, and discussing personal goals and medical history with a urologist is essential to determine the best treatment plan. 

How Aquablation Therapy Compares to Other BPH Treatments

Several treatments are available for BPH, ranging from medications and minimally invasive procedures to traditional surgical interventions such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

While TURP remains a reliable option, Aquablation therapy introduces new possibilities by offering a non-thermal, image-guided approach. For some patients, Aquablation may support better symptom relief while reducing potential side effects related to nerve or sphincter damage.

Medication management is often effective for milder symptoms, but when medication no longer provides sufficient relief or side effects become burdensome, exploring procedural options like Aquablation therapy may be recommended.

Every case is unique, and choosing between Aquablation, medication, or traditional surgery depends on individual health factors, prostate size, symptom severity, and patient preference.

What to Expect During Recovery

Recovery after Aquablation therapy is generally straightforward. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours of the procedure, and catheterization, if required, is typically temporary.

Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and ensure that urinary function continues to improve. Physical activity should be limited during the first week, but light walking is often encouraged to support circulation and recovery.

Patients are typically advised to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and activities that may strain the pelvic area until cleared by their physician. Urinary symptoms commonly fluctuate during the initial healing phase before stabilizing over the following weeks.

Personalized Urologic Care at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth

Choosing the proper treatment for BPH is a personal decision best made with the support of a knowledgeable care team. At Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth, patients can access various diagnostic services, treatment options, and support programs to promote well-being and confidence throughout the care journey.

Aquablation therapy represents one of several available approaches to treating BPH, and patients benefit from an individualized evaluation to determine if it aligns with their personal needs and goals.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If urinary symptoms limit your quality of life, exploring treatment options like Aquablation therapy may provide new opportunities for relief. The urology team at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth is available to discuss your options and help develop a care plan tailored to your needs.

Contact a physician today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Aquablation therapy in Fort Worth could fit into your journey toward improved urinary health and comfort.

 

 

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